Street Legal Golf Carts in North Carolina

Are golf carts street legal in North Carolina?

Street-legal (LSV) status

Recognized

Allowed on roads up to

35 mph

Driver's license

Required

Registration

Required

Insurance

Required

North Carolina recognizes low-speed vehicles (four-wheeled vehicles with a top speed greater than 20 but less than 25 mph) and allows them only on streets and highways where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less; under G.S. 20-121.1 an LSV must be registered and insured in accordance with G.S. 20-50 and G.S. 20-309, and as a registered motor vehicle it is operated by a licensed driver. Standard golf carts not exceeding 20 mph are not generally street legal and may be permitted only on specific local roads by city or county ordinance. The LSV statute does not set a distinct minimum operator age; verify current requirements with the North Carolina DMV before relying on this.

This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice — golf-cart and LSV rules change and vary by city and county. Confirm the current requirements with the North Carolina DMV before you buy or drive. What makes a golf cart street legal.

Sources: N.C. Gen. Stat. section 20-121.1 - Operation of low-speed vehicles (official)· North Carolina Golf Cart & Low Speed Vehicle Laws - Golf Cart Resource · Reviewed August 2026